Question 1

Should plumbers be certified or licensed?

Accepted Answer

Most municipalities recognize only licensed plumbing work. Insurance claims are far simpler when repairs were performed by a licensed professional.

As you browse our pro listings, take note of the "Angi Approved" badge. Angi Approved businesses meet our standards which include: background checks, required licenses, 3.0+ star ratings, advertising participation, and meeting eligibility criteria. Keep in mind licensing is different from certifications.

Question 2

What questions should I ask a plumbing contractor?

Accepted Answer

To confirm insurance, workmanship, and support, ask the following:

Are you compliant with local licensing?Cost and validity of estimates?Pricing breakdown (labor/materials)?Experience with similar jobs?Damage coverage and claims?Urgent call response time?Post-service cleanup steps?Warranty type and length?

These questions support quality results and peace of mind.

Question 3

Should I clean before the plumber comes?

Accepted Answer

Eliminate clutter beforehand to make the plumbing process less disruptive. Ensure the plumbing fixture is clean to make the work easier.Pets should be secured to prevent them from interfering.

Question 4

How much are typical plumbing repair costs?

Accepted Answer

Plumbing costs are highly variable, but $325 is the midpoint of a $175–$4,000 spread.

Common price examples:

Toilet fixes: $150–$400
Pipe repair emergencies: $1,000–$4,000+
Drain services: $100–$275
Water heater repairs: $200–$600
Faucet maintenance: $150–$350

If multiple trades are needed (carpentry, tile, electrical), coordination adds complexity.

Question 5

How much do plumbers typically charge?

Accepted Answer

Published rate cards often anchor at $100/hr with tiers by tech level.

Common Rate Structure:

Base hourly: $45–$200
Crisis call: $150+
Site visit: $100–$350
Holiday bump: 25–50%

Rates are influenced by the plumber's experience level, geographic location, time of service, and complexity of the repair job.

Question 6

How long do plumbers take to complete a plumbing job?

Accepted Answer

Minor component replacements are often completed in a few hours. Typical quick tasks include replacing supply lines, fixing a running toilet, or installing a garbage disposal. If asbestos or lead protocols are triggered, abatement schedules extend timelines. Review punch-list items daily to avoid last-day bottlenecks.

Question 7

When should I call a plumber instead of DIY-ing my project?

Accepted Answer

When the repair requires soldering/brazing and you’re not trained, call a pro.

Professional help is advised for:

Leak after freeze event
Moisture under flooring
Acoustic leak tools needed
Section-by-section replacement
High-temp/high-pressure lines

There's nothing wrong with admitting you need a little extra help. If your project is more complicated than you thought, consider hiring a professional.

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